The Demand Planner is an integral part of our EMEA supply chain team.

This exciting role will be responsible for managing and forecasting customer demand to ensure optimum inventory and service levels. The role involves analysing statistical and historical sales data, market and seasonality trends and customer inputs to develop accurate demand forecasts that support supply chain planning, production scheduling and financial planning.  

Demand Planning responsible will collaborate closely with operations, customer service, commercial and financial teams, along with Technology, and Data teams to drive alignment and improve forecast accuracy. 

Responsibilities:

• Embed core functionality of the new Connected Planning/Anaplan forecasting tool to drive accurate statistical forecasts into the Demand Plan.   
• Define and document Demand Planning best practice processes fit for the future of Essentra and in line with strategic company objectives. 
• Maximise the functions of Connected Planning particularly forecast accuracy measurement/review and Inventory Projections to provide valuable insight to the business and drive robust planning processes. 
• Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders within Marketing, Sales & Commercial and Operations to Support the wider initiative of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) by aiming to integrate commercial / market intelligence into the Commercial Plan and collectively agree on the Consensus Plan. 
• Play a key supporting role in business projects such as; New system implementations, Changes within the Network footprint, Routing changes and new product range Introduction. Highlighting service and Inventory risks and facilitating mitigation where necessary. 
• Support the EMEA sites to optimise their inventory holdings to best satisfy the customer and meet company working capital objectives. 
• Provide additional support and insight to the manufacturing sites to maximise efficiencies and capacity. 
• Improve stock availability to better Strike Rate, OTIF % and Net Promoter Score KPI’s. 
• Contributes demand planning insights and ad hoc reporting requirements to the business. 
• Identify slow-moving & obsolete parts and challenge the Commercial teams to manage their phase-out. 
• Manage Demand Planning related data/Data setup 
• Support the regional projects with solid data management and oversees on the collection.. 
• Prepare regular reports on stocks, service levels or targets providing actionable insights to peers and management, highlighting trends, discrepancies, or areas for improvement. 
• Identify opportunities for process improvements related to inventory levels, forecast accuracy. NPI tracking and demand trends.

Skills and Experience:

• Experience in operations, manufacturing or supply chain in an international environment
• Experience of working with high level of SKUs.
• Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, MRP systems.  
• Advanced in the Microsoft suite of tools.
• Excellent level of English both oral and written 
• Previous scheduling/forecast/planning experience 
• Experience of dealing with supply chain & operational issues whilst implementing processes effectively. 
• Driven and positive attitude.
• Experience of working across geographies and cultures. 
• Strong capability in managing large volumes of data and ensuring its accuracy, integrity, and accessibility. 
• Highly methodical with emphasis on attention to detail 
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain complex regulations and data insights. 
• Confident communicator at all levels 
• Strong organisational skills to achieve objectives  
• Ability to drive forward initiatives whilst managing key stakeholders 
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data and regulations, providing actionable recommendations. 
• Proactive in identifying issues and risks to the service with ability to propose and implement effective solutions. 
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external partners, ensuring smooth coordination and problem resolution. 
• Experience in demand, forecast planning. 
• Experience with Demand/Planning tools (Connected Planning, SO99, etc).
• Hands-on experience in delivery within a mid-to-large multi-region environment.
• Experience with ERP platform integration(s).

What we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Discretionary Annual Bonus
• Up to 5% matched pension contribution
• 4x annual salary life assurance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Salary Sacrifice Car Scheme
• Employee discounts through Edenred
• Eyecare Vouchers
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

Please note this is a hybrid role with expectation of working in an EMEA office 2/3 days per week (UK, Germany, Spain, Poland)

Essentra Components are a global market leader in plastic injection moulded, vinyl dip moulded and metal components. We have a history of over 65 years, producing essential components across a huge range of industries and applications. 

Making it easier for our customers is our top priority. That's why we operate internationally in 29 countries across 4 continents. With every order, we offer a hassle-free experience through our 14 manufacturing facilities, 34 distribution centres and 40 sales and service locations. 

We have over 45,000 standard parts and one of the world’s most extensive product offerings, all available for immediate dispatch and fast delivery. 

Our product range features caps and plugs, wire and cable management, flange protection, knobs, handles and grips, access hardware, PCB and electronics hardware 

Our Vision is to be “The world’s leading responsible hassle-free supplier of essential industrial components” 

As part of our recruitment process you will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the country you're applying. Documentary evidence will be requested at interview.